From the start of Anthony Edwards’ NBA career, he has been fun to watch on and off the court. More importantly, in the last two years in the playoffs, he has become the “legend killer.”
Anthony Edwards didn’t always have high success in the playoffs. In his first two years in the playoffs, the Timberwolves and Edwards lost in the first round two years in a row. The first year after beating the Clippers in a historic game that will forever be known as the team celebrating like they won the finals, Patrick Beverly jumping on the announcer’s table and crying. After the historic win, they faced the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. Despite Edwards’ fantastic play, averaging 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and three assists, the Timberwolves lost the series 4-2. The following season, the Timberwolves made it to the playoffs again, and they would hit a wall named the Denver Nuggets, the eventual NBA Champions. Once again, Anthony Edwards played spectacularly, boasting a great statline, averaging 31.6 points, 5.2 assists, and five rebounds, losing to the Nuggets 4-1. After losing in his first two playoff bouts, Edwards was out for blood.
The “Legend Killer” is Born!
In the 2023-2024 regular season, Edwards turned into a solidified star in the NBA, leading his team to the 3rd seed in the Western Conference and the NBA playoffs again. As the 3rd seed, the Timberwolves would face a stacked 6th seed Phoenix Suns led by 3 NBA legends Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The Suns didn’t phase out Anthony Edwards for a second. Edwards not only led in points in two games but also led in at least one stat in every game. The Timberwolves and Edwards swept the Suns, marking the first group of legends falling victim to Edwards. Then in the second round series was the Timberwolves versus the reigning NBA Champions, the Denver Nuggets, who kicked them out of the playoffs the year before. The Nuggets were led by Nikola Jokic, whose track record speaks for itself, and Jamal Murray, a legend in the playoffs.
It would’ve been understandable for the Timberwolves to fall to the reigning champs and the team who bested them, but Edwards had other plans. He made his plans known from the first game in the series, having 43 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in a game one win. Throughout the series, Edwards displayed his dominance, averaging 27.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, beating the reigning champs in 7 games. Therefore, marking the second group of legends slayed by Edwards. Then, in the Western Conference Finals, the season ended for the “Legend Killer”. The Timberwolves lost to the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 after an exciting playoff run. Edwards played well, averaging 24.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, falling victim to Luka Magic. How would the Timberwolves respond after being bounced in the Western Conference Finals?
The “Legend Killer” Returns!
Courtesy Brittanica
The Timberwolves came into this season with many question marks with the blockbuster trade of their superstar center, Karl-Anthony Towns, to the New York Knicks. People made fun of them and said it was a terrible decision to keep Rudy Gobert over Towns, but the Timberwolves thought they made the best decision for the team. After experiencing some early-season struggles, the Timberwolves woke up, fighting for and slipping into the 6th seed in the Western Conference. The team they would face would be one of the most talked-about teams in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only does the Lakers have Lebron James, one of the best players of all time, but they also acquired Luka Doncic from the Mavericks in the biggest trade in NBA history. With the Lakers having these two NBA legends, the Timberwolves had a tough matchup to start the playoffs. Little did the Lakers know the “Legend Killer” returned to the playoffs in full effect, averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. Edwards returned from the shadows to start the legend slaying again. The Timberwolves beat the Lakers 4-1, knocking them out of the playoffs.
Up next, the Timberwolves would face the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry, and one of the greatest playoff performers, Jimmy Butler. Without missing a beat and not dropping less than 20 points in any of the matchups, the “Legend Killer” did it again. The Timberwolves sent the Golden State Warriors back to California after five games. Next for the Timberwolves and Edwards, it could be with the Denver Nuggets or the Oklahoma City Thunder. One team that got their revenge on and sent home last year, the next team would be a team that hasn’t played them since they changed their name from the Supersonics. No matter which team they face, the Timberwolves and Edwards look locked in and will be no easy competition.
Conclusion
Is Anthony Edwards a “Legend Killer”? The answer is 100% yes, he has proved himself in every series, outplaying playoff legends, current legends, and forever legends throughout his time in the NBA Playoffs. He has also gotten revenge on any player/team that has beaten him in the playoffs. Finally, he may have the moniker of the “Legend Killer,” but make no doubt that Edwards is becoming a Living Legend in the NBA and basketball world in front of our very eyes. So, as he beats your favorite legends, try to enjoy the greatness before it’s too late.
